Many South African students start university without funding and only begin searching for bursaries after their first year.
This situation is very common because several bursary programmes accept applications from students who are already studying at a university.
Some funding schemes even prefer second year applicants because they can review the student’s university academic record before awarding funding.
These bursaries may cover tuition, accommodation, study materials, and living allowances depending on the sponsor.
Many corporate and government bursaries support fields such as engineering, accounting, teaching, logistics, and information technology.
Students who are already enrolled at a university should regularly check official bursary portals and company career pages for new opportunities.
Can you apply for bursaries in your second year at university?
Yes. Many bursaries in South Africa allow students to apply after they have already started university.
Several university donor bursaries are specifically awarded from the second year onward based on academic performance and financial need.
Corporate bursaries also prefer students who have already completed first year because it proves they can succeed in their chosen degree.
Students applying in second year usually need to submit the following.
- A full university academic transcript.
- Proof of registration at a recognised university.
- A certified copy of their ID.
- Their matric certificate.
- A motivational letter explaining their career goals.
Strong academic performance during first year can significantly increase your chances of receiving funding.
Which bursaries in South Africa fund students already at university?
Many large organisations fund students who are already studying.
Below are ten well known bursary programmes that frequently accept second year applicants.
- NSFAS: Apply through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.
- Eskom Bursary Programme: Apply through the Eskom Careers Portal.
- Transnet Bursary Scheme: Apply through the Transnet Careers Portal.
- Sasol Foundation Bursary: Apply through the Sasol Bursary Portal.
- Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary: Apply through the Funza Lushaka Portal.
- SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Fund: Apply through the SAICA Thuthuka Portal.
- Absa Bursary Programme: Apply through the Absa Careers Portal.
- Telkom Bursary Programme: Apply through the Telkom Careers Portal.
- Shoprite Bursary Programme: Apply through the Shoprite Youth Opportunities Portal.
- MultiChoice Bursary Programme: Apply through the MultiChoice Careers Portal.
These bursaries support various study fields including engineering, finance, IT, teaching, and logistics.
What requirements do second year bursary applicants need?
Each bursary has its own eligibility rules. However most second year bursaries require a similar set of criteria.
Common requirements include the following.
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must be registered at a recognised South African university.
- You must have completed your first year successfully.
- You must meet the minimum academic average required by the sponsor.
- Your degree must match the bursary field of study.
Many sponsors require an academic average of at least 60 percent.
Competitive programmes such as engineering bursaries often require higher averages.
Some bursaries also consider household income to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Which degrees are most likely to receive bursary funding?
Most bursaries focus on skills that are needed in the South African economy.
Companies often fund degrees linked to industries where there is a shortage of skilled professionals.
The most commonly funded fields include the following.
- Engineering.
- Accounting and finance.
- Information technology.
- Data science and analytics.
- Teaching and education.
- Supply chain and logistics.
- Agriculture and food science.
These fields align with the workforce needs of major companies and government departments that sponsor bursaries.
Students studying in these areas usually have more bursary opportunities available.
How do you apply for bursaries as a current university student?
Second year bursary applications are usually completed online.
Most organisations accept applications through their official careers or bursary portals.
The general process usually follows these steps.
- Visit the official bursary portal of the organisation.
- Create an account on the application system.
- Complete the online bursary application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
Students should only apply through official websites to avoid scams.
Always confirm the bursary on the company’s official careers page before submitting personal documents.
When do bursaries for second year students open?
Most bursary programmes open applications during the year before the funding period.
For example students seeking funding for the 2027 academic year will usually apply during 2026.
Typical bursary application periods include the following.
- January to March.
- May to July.
- August to October.
Deadlines vary depending on the company or organisation offering the bursary.
Students should track bursary announcements regularly to avoid missing application windows.
How can second year students improve their chances of getting a bursary?
Bursaries are competitive because many programmes receive thousands of applications each year.
Students can improve their chances by focusing on several key factors.
- Maintain strong academic results.
- Choose a degree that is in high demand.
- Write a strong motivational letter.
- Apply to multiple bursary programmes.
- Prepare all documents before the application deadline.
Students who demonstrate academic ability, leadership potential, and financial need often stand out during the selection process.
Consistently applying to multiple bursaries each year increases the likelihood of securing funding during university studies.
